2020 Mazda CX-30 Review

Name: 2020 Mazda CX-30
Brand: Mazda

Price Range: $17,998 - $23,990

2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2020 CX-30 is a sophisticated and sporty entry into the subcompact SUV class. It has striking looks and plenty of standard features. Though it's priced higher than much of its competition, it offers a lot for your money. It's comfortable on the road and gives you a decent amount of storage too.

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Price & Payment

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Average price: $20,811

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Appraise My 2020 Mazda CX-30

Pros

Upscale interior design and build quality
Advanced safety features come standard
Poised handling and refined ride quality

Cons

Transmission can be slow to downshift
Significant rear blind spots
Below-average fuel economy

What's new

The CX-30 is an all-new vehicle
Sized between an extra-small and small SUV
Kicks off the first CX-30 generation introduced for 2020

Overview

Written by automotive expert Cameron Rogers

Updated: 6/4/2020

Mazda's proven it knows how to make a really good small SUV. Its CX-5 compact is in a numerical tie in our rankings with the class-leading Honda CR-V, and the smaller Mazda CX-3 is one of the better picks in the subcompact crossover segment. So apparently Mazda figured, "Well, let's keep going!" and came up with the 2020 Mazda CX-30.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

25 listings

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New Listing
2020 Mazda CX-30
Preferred 4dr SUV
$21,998
fair price
$44 below market
- 18,854 miles
- 5 Seats, 24 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- 2,387 mi away
- Delivery available*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Pleasant Hill, CA
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency and pricing without document or processing fees. Certain cars may hav...
Vehicle History:
No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (24 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
3MVDMBDL7LM124191
Stock:
28650058
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Price Drop
2020 Mazda CX-30
Premium 4dr SUV
$20,990
fair price
$551 above market
- 63,703 miles
- 5 Seats, 25 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- 609 mi away
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Chicago, IL
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
Vehicle History:
No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (25 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
3MVDMBEM6LM125856
Stock:
2004788021
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
05-04-2026

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Despite the similar name, Mazda is not using the CX-30 to replace the smaller CX-3. It instead fills the space between that subcompact crossover and the larger CX-5. Right off the bat you'll notice the CX-30's impressively upscale interior. No other crossover at this point offers an interior that looks and feels this premium. Every surface you touch is soft, and every button or knob you press or turn has a substantial feel to it. In terms of interior and cargo space, the CX-30 slots right between the CX-3 and the CX-5.

The CX-30 also exhibits far more driving refinement than you might expect from a vehicle at this price. It soaks up bumps with the poise of a larger, more sophisticated (and more expensive) vehicle. It's also fun to drive around turns thanks to nimble handling and steering that gives you a decent feel for the road. The engine is the same 186-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder from the CX-5 and provides quick-enough acceleration when you need to make a pass or accelerate quickly to highway speeds.

Overall, we're fond of the CX-30. Admittedly, it's a niche vehicle, but it has the potential to be a "just-right" fit for car shoppers who want a slightly roomier and nicer vehicle than an subcompact crossover SUV but don't like the greater cost of bigger models such as the CX-5 or CR-V.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2020 Mazda CX-30 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

8/10

How does the CX-30 drive? The CX-30 is easy and engaging to drive. It might not accelerate quickly by most measures, but it's better than average for this class. Our test CX-30 needed 9 seconds to reach 60 mph, where rivals take more than 10 seconds. The steering is sharp and gives you a good feel for the road. It complements the CX-30's excellent handling as it hugs corners and feels composed and at home on twisty roads.

The transmission, left in its default mode, likes to upshift early to help maximize fuel economy. The transmission takes a beat to kick down if you're trying to pass at freeway speeds. Using the Sport mode helps liven up the CX-30's character.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the CX-30? For a sporty SUV, the CX-30 is really quite comfortable. The front seats are supportive and comfortable enough for long drives. The rear seats are nicely padded and offer a good seating position that's not too upright. The suspension has a sporty tautness to it, but it's still good at absorbing bumps and impacts.

Freeway cruising is especially nice. The CX-30 has one of the quieter cabins in the class, which lends an upscale feel. The dual-zone climate control is a little weak for those who like it really cold, but the rear vents ensure rear passengers get their share. Heated seats take time to warm but are nicely toasty once they are.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The CX-30's interior is simple but classy. The controls are easy to see and understand. The infotainment system is laid out well, and navigating with the rotary knob is mostly easy. The exceptions are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which would be undoubtedly more convenient to operate if the CX-30 had a touchscreen.

For an extra-small SUV, the CX-30's cabin is pretty roomy. In front, individuals 6 feet tall and under should have ample space in all directions. Though the CX-30 will accommodate five total, rear-seat comfort is really optimized for two more average-size adults.

The CX-30's swoopier shape involves some trade-offs. It isn't as easy to climb in and out of compared to its boxier rivals, and rear visibility is a bit compromised by a thick rear pillar and relatively small window.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The CX-30 comes standard with a good amount of tech. The advanced safety and driver aids are among the best-in-class in the way they operate. You even get a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, though you'll have to pay for service after the trial ends. Our test CX-30 had two USBs and two 12-volt power ports up front.

The upgraded Bose audio system delivers a nice, clear sound with good bass. The navigation system is easy to use, and the 8.8-inch infotainment display is a really bright and sharp screen. Using the rotary dial is easy enough but having a touchscreen would be welcome. In previous Mazdas, the display granted touchscreen capability if you were stopped, but that's no longer the case for this latest infotainment system that's in the CX-30.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The CX-30 is middling in terms of storage compared to the leaders of the class. Cargo room behind the rear seats is decent, but the depth of the space from the hatch to the back of the rear seats seems shallow. A wide and tall hatch opening provides good access for loading. But because the rear seats backs don't lie flush with the cargo floor when folded, sliding long, heavy items in won't be as easy as it could be.

Storage for small items is a bit better. The sizable cubby in front of the gearshift, center armrest bin and glove compartment are mostly usable. The door pockets and cupholders are small but that's because it's a small vehicle. As for child duty, installation access for car seats is great but actual space for a larger rear-facing seat will be tight.

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The CX-30 with all-wheel drive nets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (24 city/31 highway), which is a little below average for an AWD vehicle in this class. Our tested trim, the Premium AWD, which has cylinder deactivation, gets 27 mpg (25 city/32 highway), making up a bit of ground. If you opt for the front-wheel-drive version, the EPA-estimate is 28 mpg combined (25 city/33 highway), still slightly under average for this group.

We observed 26 mpg over three tanks in our test vehicle with a best fill that matched the EPA combined estimate of 27 mpg, so we think the EPA figures are pretty accurate.

Value

7.5/10

Is the CX-30 a good value? The CX-30's price starts off on the higher side, but it offers an abundance of standard tech and safety features that has it competing against many of the competition's midline trims, which justifies the cost.

The interior is roomy, and build quality is excellent with the interior adorned with soft-touch surfaces, leather and nicely placed chrome trim. The piano-black door handles creak a little at times and can leave smudges but no one's going to notice there. Warranty and ownership costs are standard for the class.

Wildcard

8.5/10

The Mazda CX-30 is sophisticated, athletic and attractive inside and out. Just like the smaller Mazda CX-3, it handles curvy roads with precision and instills confidence as you continue to drive it, but it has the benefit of more interior space and comfort. All in all, it's a well-rounded vehicle.

2020 Mazda CX-30 trim level differences

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 comes in four standard trims: base, Select, Premium and Preferred. Mazda groups features into these trim levels with few additional options, so choosing the right CX-30 is a relatively straightforward matter. All models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (186 hp, 186 lb-ft) and a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available on every trim. Compare the 2020 Mazda CX-30 trim levels in-depth.

Which CX-30 trim does Edmunds recommend?

Even the base Mazda CX-30 comes fairly well equipped. But we think it's worth stepping up one level to the Select trim. For a few grand more, you get desirable features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control and tinted rear windows. You can pay more to get the Premium or Preferred, but at that price level a regular Mazda CX-5 might be a better choice.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$174/mo

$211/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Model

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Reliability

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

3 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 21V086000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 4621B
Number of vehicles affected:: 13857
Defect Description:: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles. When fully opened, the power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope.
Defect Consequence:: If the power liftgate unexpectedly lowers while a person is accessing the rear storage area of the vehicle, it can increase their risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power liftgate control module software and inspect the serial number of the power liftgate drive unit, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 19, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4621B.

Recall Number:: 20V347000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 4520F
Number of vehicles affected:: 12097
Defect Description:: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The evaporative vent hose for the fuel tank may be disconnected, possibly allowing fuel to leak from the charcoal canister vent at the rear of the vehicle.
Defect Consequence:: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, the engine may stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the evaporative vent hose in the fuel tank. If the hose is disconnected, it will be reconnected and the charcoal canister with some related parts will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 29, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4520F.

Recall Number:: 20V346000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 4420F
Number of vehicles affected:: 24037
Defect Description:: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
Defect Consequence:: Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Mazda CX-30 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

53 reviews

5(66%)

4(13%)

3(9%)

2(8%)

1(4%)

See all 53 reviews of the Mazda CX-30

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2020 Mazda CX-30 videos

One Year With the Mazda CX-30 | 2020 Mazda CX-30 Long-Term Review | MPG, Maintenance & More

The Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact SUV that we added to our long-term fleet back in September 2020. In this video, Travis Langness from Edmunds reviews the 2020 Mazda CX-30 after living with it and logging 15,000 miles over the past year. Travis talks about what we liked and didn't like about Mazda's small SUV and discusses how well it drove and what maintenance and recalls…

2020 CX-30 Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$21,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$174/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the CX-30 models:

Smart Brake Support: Warns you if you are rapidly approaching a vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist. Can apply the brakes to reduce the severity of a collision.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a driver-selected distance between the Mazda 3 and the car in front.
Lane Departure Warning System: Alerts the driver if the Mazda 3 begins wandering outside its lane.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.5%

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